Discover the colorful Chesapeake Bay and its isolated islands while learning about its cultural heritage, fascinating history and coastal maritime traditions. Learn firsthand about the bay’s active seafood industry, visit seafood processing sites, and experience daily life in the small working waterfront fishing town of Crisfield. Savor local meals in a variety of restaurants featuring a variety of seafood, including crab and fish. Classes are held at the museum overlooking one of the Chesapeake’s largest public marinas.

Highlights

• Learn about the harvest of the bay and how seafood such as oysters and crabs are processed and shipped worldwide.• Enjoy seafood cooking demonstrations and hear historians and watermen describe the cultural heritage of Chesapeake Bay.• Enjoy exciting boat excursions to distant Tangier Island and Smith Island.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile on paved terrain; some stairs.

Coordinated by Crisfield Heritage Foundation.

Crisfield

Once considered the “Seafood Capital of the World” for its abundant fisheries, historic Crisfield is one of the last working waterfront towns on the Chesapeake Bay. Wildlife abounds in the nearby Pocomoke River.

45 minutes

Distance:

40 miles

Salisbury is a Regional Airport. Cars can be rented there.

Baltimore/Washington

From Airport

Service:

Per Person/One Way:

contact Bay RunnerPrices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

2 & 1/2 Hours to Salisbury from Baltimore. Then another 40 minutes to Crisfield.

Additional transportation would be required to get from Salisbury to Crisfield. Taxi service is available from both BWI and Salisbury Airports directly to the Captain Tyler Motel. Please call Billie at 443-783-2486 to make arrangements.

Driving
Directions

North or South

Take US 13 to Crisfield Exit (413). 413 goes straight into Crisfield. The Captain Tyler Motel is located on the corner of Main and 7th Street on your left as you enter town.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

The morning session entails a lively discussion of the history, heritage and ecology of the Eastern Shore. Topics include natural history of the Chesapeake, colonial expansion, the Civil War, and regional maritime culture and traditions.

Lunch:

Lunch is served on the Island of Tangier. An all-you-can eat seafood affair of traditional Island recipes served family-style

Afternoon:

The boat for Tangier leaves promptly at 12:30 PM from the dock. Charlie will direct you. The trip takes about 60 minutes. Upon your arrival on Tangier, you will be treated to an Island-style family lunch. You will have time to explore the Island with a guided walk and visit the local Museum before your departure.

Dinner:

Dinner is scheduled for 6:00 PM in a local restuarant within walking distance.

Evening:

The evening presentaion covers the history and socio-economic development of Crisfield and includes visual presentations of historic photographs.

Note: Walking Tour - 1 Hour on paved surfaces less than one mile.

Breakfast:

Buffet Style at a local restaurant.

Morning:

Walking tour of the town begins from the Museum. The tour includes a visit to two seafood processing operations, discussions on seafood packing and shipping and a stop down at the working waterfront. There is also a stop at the county tourism office.

Lunch:

Lunch provided at the Museum.

Afternoon:

The afternoon program is split with groups visiting both the museum and the outside crab "shanty" exhibit area. The museum tour is a guided, behind the scenes visit while the shanty tour includes close encounters of the fun kind with live crabs, bivalves, and fish,

Dinner:

Local Fare at a restaurant within walking distance.

Evening:

The evening program is a lecture/discussion focusing on the development and history of the seafood and fisheries industry as well as the challenges faced by consumers.

The day begins with an entertaining presentation by a local storyteller singing and sharing stories about living and growing up on Smith Island. A seafood cooking demonstration, tasting and stories by a trained chef from a local restaurant follows.

Lunch:

A family-style lunch will be served on the Island.

Afternoon:

The afternoon program is highlighted by a boat trip to Smith Island. A family-style lunch is followed by a visit to the maritime museum, local church and a short guided walking tour of the village by a local waterman.

Dinner:

Lighter fare served at a local restaurant.

Evening:

The evening program is a discussion on the two islands visited and their socio-economic connection to Crisfield followed by a film and more discussion. The coordinator will discuss your options and provide information and suggestions for the Thursday afternoon free time. Information

The morning session includes a short ride over to US Coast Guard Station for a behind the scenes tour of this important search and rescue operation. Led by young guardsmen and women, the tour includes the inside facilities and boats used in operations.

Lunch:

Box lunch provided.

Meals
Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities

Crisfield, Maryland

Free TimeOn Thursday afternoon you will have a free afternoon. The tourism kiosk is located in the lobby of the museum and depending on your interests, maps and brochures and suggestions for your time off will be availabe from your coordinator. For additional information, visit http://www.visitsomerset.com/

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

Chesapeake

Author: James Michner

Description: A four-hundred year saga taken from the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay. Discounted copies available to Road Scholar participants at the museum gift shop.

The Chesapeake: An enviromental biography

Author: John R. Wennersten

Description: A comprehensive history of the brackish water and cultures of the Chesapeake Bay. Discounted copies available to Road Scholar participants at the museum gift shop.

What’s included in this Road Scholar program?

Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.

Experienced Group Leaders attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.

Expert-led field trips and excursions and hands-on activities.

Comfortable, often exceptional, accommodations.

All meals (except where noted).

Group transportation throughout the program.

Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.